Eyebrows hit the ceiling Wednesday when word dropped that Tom Brady was throwing passes to Terrell Owens at USC’s practice facility.
With the Patriots’ decision to start over at wide receiver this offseason, it was too easy to wonder if Owens could be in their plans, even though the veteran pass catcher and the Pats don’t exactly look like perfect dance partners. As it turns out, the workouts don’t look like anything more than a couple of players with a common interest in improving their craft.
There is nothing brewing between Owens and the Patriots, according to a league source. The 39-year-old, who hasn’t caught an NFL pass since injuring his knee in 2010, does want to continue playing in the league and has had weekly discussions with teams, but there hasn’t been anything with the Pats at this point.
Preseason foes set
The Patriots finalized their list of preseason opponents, and Bill Belichick will coach against four close acquaintances, which opens the door for the possibility of joint practices.
The Pats will visit the Philadelphia Eagles between Aug. 8-11, host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Aug. 16 at 8 p.m., visit the Detroit Lions between Aug. 22-25 and host the New York Giants between Aug. 29-30.
Belichick has ties with Eagles coach Chip Kelly, Bucs coach Greg Schiano, Lions coach Jim Schwartz and Giants coach Tom Coughlin. The Pats held two joint practices last year in Tampa.
Until the exact dates are finalized and the Pats know how much time they’ve got between games, it’s too difficult to lock down the best candidates for joint sessions, if Belichick sees the possibility for them to materialize in the first place.
Finally, with the Lions on the docket for the all-important third preseason test, the Patriots will have a good chance to match up against a powerful offense and energetic defense as the regular season approaches.